Review: Hiding in Plain Sight (Safe Harbor #2) by Cassandra Carr

Vladimir Gusev exists in a living hell. A year ago in the Olympics he was forced to use a homophobic slur during a game, and guilt is eating him from the inside out. Not only is Vladimir not a homophobe, but in the aftermath of the Olympics, he was finally able to admit his true nature to himself. Yet he's been taught homosexuality is a sin, so he tries to push away his feelings, but to no avail.

Joe Bufford is an out gay man and an ex-Delta Force member who was medically discharged after an injury to his hand leaves him no longer able to perform his duties. His job as a mechanic at the airport is hardly a long-term career choice, but Joe has no idea where he can utilize the skills he learned in the Army.

Vladimir and Joe meet, and Joe instantly recognizes Vladimir as a terrified closet case. Before he knows it, Joe is offering to help Vladimir figure out what he is and what he wants. As time goes on, Joe begins to hope more and more that the answers to those questions lie with him.

Hiding in Plain Sight, Safe Harbor #2 by Cassandra Carr was a passionate read with macho men who weren’t afraid of their feelings and a world where homosexuality was spoken of in whispers. Vlad was a professional hockey play, a Russian national that played in the United States. An unfortunate incident while on the Olympic hockey team left him bereft in emotion and placed a mark on his spirit. Vlad soon found solace in the arms of ex Delta Force soldier Joe, openly gay and proud of the man he had become. Soon, the two men forged a bond that spans friendship to love affording them the opportunity at true happiness.

Ms. Carr took the reader into the world of politics and hockey without delivering sanctimoniousness and wrote what blossomed into a beautiful love story. The book was evenly paced and delivered the ups and downs of any budding relationship. Joe’s calm yet strong personality allowed Vlad to come to terms with his homosexuality, giving him space and support. Vlad was endearing as he learned “the ropes”, voicing his concerns as to what he thought of the give and take of gay sex, and his emotional stability as a hockey player. The two men were loving and electric and I quickly fell for both of them.

Ms. Carr has delivered a winner and I look forward to more books in the series.